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‘Not Just Startups’ is TechPluto’s daily series that packs top startup and tech news from across the globe. The only news that makes it to ‘Not Just Startups’ series is what’s worth your time. This is where news appears before becoming a trending one.
AUSTRALIA TO FORCE TECH COMPANIES TO DECRYPT MESSAGES
Earlier Australia had introduced the idea to decrypt the communications between people on google and facebook on the Five Eyes Security Summit. However, Australia is considerate to start it on its own land as soon as possible. The government wants to control the extremists in the country and sees this law as an effective tool to control it. This would affect Google and Facebook the most. Their concern is for the security of messages and allowing backdoor access to communications. Under the new law, tech firms would require to hand over the communications data similar to telecom firms when they are presented with a warrant.
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SWAP LABS ACQUI-HIRED BY UBER
To make Uber app more human and social. The number ride hailing app has acquired the Swipe Labs. The focus is on the driver experience in Uber ecosystem. Uber is drastically changing the driver monetization experience. Moreover, it is harder for the company to acquire talent in silicon valley after the Kalanick episode. Therefore acquihire is the best option for the firm right now to attract and use good talent for its growth.
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#5
GRAB SEEKS TO RAISE UP TO $2 BILLION
Grab which is the rival to Uber in the South-east Asian countries is reportedly seeking to raise up to $2 billion from SoftBank and Didi. If the funding goes through then the firm will become one of the most valuable companies in the south-east. It seems as Uber is caught up in many scandals, it has given a glimmer of hope for other ride hailing firms.
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GOOGLE TO RELEASE 20-MILLION MOSQUITOES
Google is going to release lab made and bacteria infected 20-million mosquitoes in Fresno, California to fight Zika virus. The mosquitoes released are male and do not bite.
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DISNEY LAUNCHES VR SUPER HERO GAME
Disney has entered the virtual space of gaming with its launch of ‘Power United VR’. This game will come out exclusively on Oculus Rift in 2018.
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AMAZON’S ANYTIME A WHATSAPP CONTENDER?
Amazon is reportedly going to launch its own messaging app soon. If it does it right, then it will make a dent in the supremacy of Google and Facebook owned messaging apps. The messaging app from Amazon will feature all the requirements of the modern day messaging needs. Moreover, it is essential for Amazon to release such an app as it enhances its brand’s presence and is able to communicate well with the consumers.
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ELON MUSK CALLS ON AI REGULATION
Elon Musk has warned of AI risk and has asked for a government regulation. Speaking at the National Governors Association conference. Elon Musk said that AI is the biggest risk for human civilisation right now. He calls for a proactive regulation instead of a reactive regulation. He said that AI could manipulate information to even start a war. The AI according to him would be able to do all things better than Humans. He further said that the authority should have the ability to pause an AI development and see whether it is safe or not.
Data compilation by Lipin
Editing and Presentation by Prashant Sharma
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